Dan Bai Xiao Formula combined with glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide for pediatric lupus nephritis: A pilot prospective study

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Patients with lupus nephritis (LN) typically undergo long-term treatment with glucocorticoids (GCs) and immunosuppressants. There is a growing demand for optimal therapy with better remission results and fewer side effects. Sustained traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) might be quite valuable for multitarget therapy, reducing the total dosage of GCs and minimizing the side effects of immunosuppressants.

AIM

To evaluate whether Dan Bai Xiao Formula (DBXF) can reduce the exposure to GCs and cyclophosphamide (CYC) and to assess the efficacy and safety of DBXF for the resolution of proteinuria and hematuria in children with LN.

METHODS

A 24-wk pilot study was conducted at Beijing Children’s Hospital. Children with active LN were divided into either a TCM group or a control group. Children in the TCM group received DBXF combined with GCs and CYC, and the ones in the control group received GCs and CYC every 4 wk for 24 wk. The primary endpoints of this trial were urinary protein excretion of < 150 mg/d and normal serum albumin concentration and renal function.

RESULTS

The trial included 78 children, of whom 38 received GCs and CYC treatment (control group) and the remaining 40 received DBXF combined with GCs and CYC treatment (TCM group). At week 24, the TCM group showed a better rate of complete remission (42.5%); however, there was no significant difference compared with the control group (31.5%, P > 0.05). The urine red blood cell count and urine protein level were significantly lower in the TCM group than in the control group at weeks 4, 12, and 24 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, patients in the TCM group had a lower proportion of methylprednisolone pulses than those in the control group (1.30 ± 1.41 vs 3.05 ± 2.02, P < 0.0001). The ending GC dose was significantly lower in the TCM group than in the control group (P < 0.001). Moreover, more hepatic function damage, gastrointestinal adverse effects, and hypertension were observed in the control group than in the TCM group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that DBXF treatment is effective and safe as a supplementary therapy for LN and is superior to routine GC and CYC therapy. DBXF containing combination treatment possibly results in a faster resolution of proteinuria and hematuria, smoother GC reduction, fewer methylprednisolone pulses, and fewer adverse events.

Key Words: Lupus nephritis; Traditional Chinese medicine; Dan Bai Xiao Formula; Effective; Safe

Core Tip: Lupus nephritis (LN) is the most common and serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus. Glucocorticoids (GCs) and immunosuppressants were considered routine treatments for patients with LN. However, there is a widespread consensus regarding the toxicity of immunosuppressive agents and the necessity of preventing children from taking these medications over an extended period. Accordingly, there is an increasing need for holistic and optimal therapy that results in a higher rate of remission and fewer side effects. Our study suggests that Dan Bai Xiao Formula (DBXF) treatment is effective and safe as a supplementary therapy for LN; moreover, this treatment is superior to routine GC and cyclophosphamide therapies. DBXF containing combination treatment may lead to faster proteinuria and hematuria resolution, smoother GC reduction, fewer methylprednisolone pulses, and fewer adverse events.

INTRODUCTION

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that involves disturbances in the immune system with the production of immune complexes that induce inflammatory injury to multiple organs and tissues, particularly the kidneys[1]. Lupus nephritis (LN) is the most common serious complication of SLE. Compared with adults, SLE diagnosed in childhood or adolescence is more aggressive, and up to 80% of SLE children (also referred to as patients below) have LN[2]. To induce renal remission, patients are routinely treated with glucocorticoids (GCs) and immunosuppressants for 6 mo of aggressive induction immunosuppression. This is followed by years of maintenance immunosuppression aimed at preventing flares. However, these treatments do not provide a satisfactory clinical response or renal remission in some patients with LN[3].

There is a lack of data on the optimal therapy for LN in children and adolescents. Although available therapies, including corticosteroids, hydroxychloroquine, and other immunosuppressive drugs, are effective for LN, there is a widespread agreement on the toxicity of immunosuppressive agents and the need to avoid long-term use of these drugs in children. As a result, there is a growing demand for a holistic and optimal therapy that results in greater remission and fewer side effects. The integrated treatment of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been indicated to be beneficial for LN. Immunosuppression can be combined with TCM to improve the efficacy and relieve the adverse effects during the active period of LN. Meanwhile, TCM could aid in stabilizing the case, preventing recurrence, and decreasing the use of GCs or immunosuppressant drugs.

TCM is used to prevent, treat, and diagnose diseases under the guidance of the TCM theory. It has condensed thousands of years of practical experience. Based on the concept of “systematic holism,” TCM pays equal attention to strengthening the resistance of the body and regulating immunity. According to Yang et al[4], the effects of TCM have also been reported to be beneficial in patients with LN when used in combination with GCs and immunosuppressant agents. Some studies have stated that sustained TCM may be quite useful for multitarget therapy, reducing the total dosage of GCs and minimizing the side effects of immunosuppressive agents[5,6]. Dan Bai Xiao Formula (DBXF) comes from Pei Xueyi’s clinical experience summary; notably, Pei Xueyi is a renowned doctor practicing in China for decades. This formula is beneficial for many children with nephritis. According to TCM, it is believed that the pathogenesis of LN is based on the qi disorder, blood, and water. Therefore, promoting qi and blood circulation should be the focus of the treatment. The effect of DBXF is to diurese and dampen and to correct the pathological phenomenon in qi and blood. The formula can be used in various TCM syndrome types.

The basic composition of DBXF is listed in Table 1. Studies have shown that some herbal components in this recipe exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects. Oxymatrine, an active constituent of Radix Sophorae Flavescentis, protects the organs and tissues by regulating inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and fibrosis[7-9]. Shibeshi et al[10] observed that Achyranthis asperae has a regulating effect on serum lipids and hormones (Table 1).

Table 1 Basic composition of the traditional Chinese herbal decoction Dan Bai Xiao Formula.

DBXF meterial	Equivalent pharmaceutical name	Amount (g)
Feng Wei Cao	Herba Pteridis Multifidae	15
Ku Shen	Radix Sophorae Flavescentis	10
Shi Wei	Folium Pyrrosiae	12
Dao Kou Cao	Herba Achyranthis Asperae	15
Lian Xu	Stamen Nelumbinis	10
Dan Dou Chi	Semen Sojae Preperatum	12
Chi Xiao Dou	Semen Vignae Angularis	30
Yi Yi Ren	Semen Coicis	30

DBXF: Dan Bai Xiao Formula.

Owing to the lack of data on the efficacy and safety of the long-term use of DBXF in LN, we conducted a 6-mo clinical trial assessing the efficacy and safety of DBXF containing combination treatment in patients with LN. The results observed over a period of 24 wk in our patients related to clinical renal remission, serum indexes, proteinuria, dosage of GCs, and adverse events are described herein. We hope that the findings may provide clues for the selection of LN therapy regimens and for other future studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Study design

This was a prospective study of 82 consecutive patients with LN at the ward of the Children’s National Medical Center. All participants were recruited from the Outpatient Specialist Clinics of Rheumatology at the Beijing Children’s Hospital, Beijing, China from January 2018 to January 2020. Patients who met the entry criteria from our TCM ward were assigned to the TCM group. Patients from the Rheumatology Medical Ward were assigned to the control group[11], which received oral GC therapy at an initial dose of 1-2 mg/kg/d. The GC dosage was reduced on a monthly basis by 5 mg after 4-6 wk; subsequently, the dose was further reduced to a dose of < 10 mg/d according to the patient’s condition. Intravenous cyclophosphamide (CYC) pulse was given at a dose of 1.0 g/m² of body surface area at 4-wk intervals over 6 mo. Intermittent pulse methylprednisolone was given intravenously at a dose of 20-30 mg/kg for 3 d if the condition was not satisfactory. The maximum bolus dose of methylprednisolone was 1 g. Patients included in the TCM group also received GCs and intravenous CYC pulse, and the dosage of GC was reduced in the same way. The DBXF composition is summarized in Table 1. Each medicine’s dosage in DBXF is based on the Chinese pharmacopoeia and needs to be decocted in water. Patients took the solution orally twice daily for 24 wk. Patients who had treatment failure were retreated by the attending physicians.

Patients

The American College of Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology 2012 classification criteria were used to diagnose LN in eligible patients between 4-15 years of age[12]. Patients with the following medical conditions were excluded from the study: Severe infections within the past 3 mo, creatinine clearance of < 30 mL/min or serum creatinine on repeat tests of > 3.0 mg/dL, human immunodeficiency virus infection, hepatitis B or C virus infection, neuropsychiatric lupus erythematosus, and other severe coexisting conditions during the trial. The ethics committee of the hospital approved the study protocol. Informed consent forms were signed by the patients’ legal representatives.

Assessment

Patients were seen every 4 wk for a total of 24 wk. Complete remission at 24 wk was the primary endpoint. Clinical and laboratory assessments were performed during the follow-up visits. Patients were evaluated for clinical manifestations of LN and adverse effects related to the treatment at each visit. Blood pressure and body weight were recorded. Blood samples were collected, and urinalysis was performed. Complete blood cell counts, coagulation function, renal and liver function, serum C3 and C4 concentrations, and anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibodies were determined. A 24-h urine sample was collected for urinary protein excretion measurement.

Disease activity

The SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) score was reported at baseline and at each follow-up visit according to Gladman et al[13]. The care providers comprehensively assessed whether the patient had experienced a disease flare since the last visit and the specific reason for the flare. No specific flare criteria were provided.

Renal evaluation

Normal urinary protein excretion (< 150 mg/d) and normal urinary sediment were used to define complete remission. Partial remission was defined as a greater than 50% reduction in urinary protein excretion. Treatment failure was defined as follows: Failure to reach complete or partial remission at 24 wk[14].

Safety

The Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v4.0) was used to assess adverse events (AEs). AEs were recorded at each study visit.

Statistical analysis

Prism software version 6.0 was used to perform the statistical analyses. All data are expressed as the mean ± SD or median as appropriate. The Mann-Whitney U Test was used to compare the quantitative variables. Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used to compare the categorical variables as appropriate. A P value of < 0.05 was considered significant to determine the factors that were significantly associated with the response rate.

RESULTS

Participants and baseline clinical characteristics

The trial included 82 patients, with 41 assigned to the control group and an equal number to the TCM group. The baseline characteristics of the two groups were similar, as shown in Table 1. As shown in Figure 1, the numbers of patients who completed the trial were 38 (92.6%) in the control group and 40 (97.5%) in the TCM group. Four patients, including three from the control group and one from the TCM group, dropped out of the trial because of the lack of follow-up. In either group, no patients experienced severe AEs. The trial, including its follow-up, was completed by 78 patients (Figure 1). All patients were followed for at least 24 wk. The average length of follow-up was 12 wk (range, 0-24 wk).

Figure 1 Recruitment of patients, treatment assignment, and outcomes. TCM group: The combination of glucocorticoids, cyclophosphamide, and Dan Bai Xiao Formula. Control group: Glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide. TCM: Traditional Chinese medicine.

As shown in Table 2, at baseline, 61 patients had high dsDNA antibody concentration (33 in the TCM group and 28 in the control group), 75 had low serum C3 concentration (37 in the TCM group and 38 in the control group), and 66 had low serum C4 concentration (34 in the TCM group and 26 in the control group). No significant difference was found between the control and TCM groups in the baseline clinical characteristics (Table 2).

Table 2 Baseline clinical characteristics of all patients.

Characteristic	Control group (n = 38)	TCM group (n = 40)	P value
Age (yr)	11.07 ± 2.28	11.51 ± 2.77	0.338
Female sex, n (%)	25 (65.8)	28 (70)	0.690
Weight (kg)	39.18 ± 11.55	41.61 ± 15.55	0.582
Duration of SLE (years)	0.65 ± 1.37	0.78 ± 1.21	0.607
Duration of LN (years)	0.15 ± 0.41	0.17 ± 0.28	0.559
Serum creatinine (μmol/L)	61.73 ± 46.68	51.46 ± 22.52	0.127
White blood cell count	5.03 ± 3.22	5.83 ± 3.20	0.201
NE (%)	53.85 ± 19.54	57.56 ± 15.33	0.489
HGB (g/L)	100.18 ± 16.93	105.85 ± 23.73	0.308
PT (s)	10.45 ± 0.93	11.23 ± 2.09	0.115
APTT (s)	35.48 ± 17.25	37.6 ± 16.17	0.577
D-D (mg/L)	1.08 ± 1.64	1.02 ± 1.32	0.161
Serum albumin (g/L)	29.23 ± 5.99	30.92 ± 4.61	0.167
Urine protein (g/24 h)	1.29 ± 1.81	1.32 ± 1.11	0.314
Urine RBC count/HPF	26.17 ± 37.92	25.65 ± 37.59	0.24
Serum C3 (g/L)	0.28 ± 0.18	0.39 ± 0.28	0.101
Serum C4 (g/L)	0.05 ± 0.04	0.06 ± 0.05	0.782
BUN (IU/mL)	6.94 ± 3.89	5.72 ± 2.31	0.057
ALT (mmol/L)	33.20 ± 28.04	32.88 ± 36.34	0.730
AST (mmol/L)	40.00 ± 41.21	39.61 ± 43.37	0.957
SLEDAI	15.57 ± 5.01	14.07 ± 3.49	0.315
ds-DNA postive, n (%)	28 (73.6)	33 (82.5)	0.345

Results are given as the mean ± SD. TCM: Traditional Chinese medicine; RBC: Red blood cell; SLEDAI: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index; LN: Lupus nephritis; BUN: Blood urea nitrogen.

Complete/partial renal remission

As shown in Figure 2A, 17 out of 40 (42.5%) patients in the TCM group and 12 out of 38 (31.5%) patients in the control group achieved complete remission at 24 wk (P = 0.31). Partial remission occurred in 18 (45%) patients in the TCM group and 19 (50%) in the control group (P = 0.65, Figure 2B). Overall, 35 (87.5%) patients in the TCM group and 31 (81.6%) in the control group achieved either complete or partial remission (P = 0.46, Figure 2C). The treatment failure was similar in both groups: Five out of 40 (12.5%) patients in the TCM group vs 7 out of 38 (18%) patients in the control group (P = 0.46, Figure 2D).

Figure 2 Comparison of complete remission between the two groups at week 24. A and B: Number of patients with complete remission and partial remission in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and control groups at 24 wk; C and D: Total remission (complete and partial response) and treatment failure in the TCM and control groups at 24 wk. TCM: Traditional Chinese medicine.

Longitudinal outcomes

Renal parameters throughout the study are shown in Table 3. The baseline urinary protein excretion levels in the control and TCM groups were 1.29 g/24 h ± 1.81 g/24 h and 1.32 g/24 h ± 1.11 g/24 h, respectively. Serum albumin levels were 29.23 g/L ± 5.99 g/L and 30.92 g/L ± 4.61 g/L, respectively. Proteinuria levels decreased significantly from the baseline after only 4 wk of treatment in the TCM and control groups, and proteinuria levels decreased significantly in the TCM group compared with the control group at 4, 12, and 24 wk (P < 0.05). Furthermore, t urine red blood cell count in the TCM group was significantly lower than that of the control group at weeks 4, 12, and 24 (P < 0.05). Serum albumin levels increased significantly from the baseline in both groups. At 24 wk, serum albumin appeared to be higher in the TCM group; but no significant difference was observed between the two groups. The levels of complements C3 and C4 improved significantly from the baseline in the two groups at 24 wk. No significant difference was found between the two groups for complements C3 and C4, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen. The percentage of positive dsDNA antibodies decreased significantly from the baseline after 24 wk of therapy, with no significant differences between the two groups. The levels of changes in SLEDAI improved significantly at 24 wk (P < 0.05), but there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (Table 3).

Table 3 Comparison of clinical indexes between the two groups.

Characteristic	Follow up (wk)	Control group (n = 38)	TCM group (n = 40)	P value
Urine protein (g/24 h)	4	1.11 ± 1.54	0.73 ± 1.48	0.008
	12	0.67 ± 0.91	0.34 ± 0.82	0.0159
	24	0.30 ± 0.29	0.09 ± 0.14	< 0.0001
Urine RBC count/HPF	4	17.63 ± 15.48	9.02 ± 8.78	0.001
	12	10.55 ± 9.73	4.35 ± 8.54	0.0007
	24	10.47 ± 8.43	2.82 ± 5.11	< 0.0001
Serum albumin (g/L)	4	34.60 ± 6.57	36.36 ± 4.91	0.324
	8	37.27 ± 6.64	39.35 ± 3.82	0.428
	12	39.65 ± 6.73	41.16 ± 3.99	0.701
	16	40.26 ± 6.45	41.17 ± 5.02	0.879
	20	41.50 ± 5.16	41.08 ± 7.00	0.821
	24	40.30 ± 6.28	41.15 ± 5.14	0.808
Serum C3 (g/L)	4	0.61 ± 0.14	0.53 ± 0.19	0.112
	8	0.73 ± 0.16	0.69 ± 0.25	0.205
	12	0.80 ± 0.19	0.73 ± 0.0.21	0.143
	16	0.82 ± 0.15	0.77 ± 0.20	0.452
	20	0.82 ± 0.15	0.85 ± 0.14	0.874
	24	0.88 ± 0.17	0.86 ± 0.22	0.990
Serum C4 (g/L)	4	0.10 ± 0.04	0.08 ± 0.05	0.800
	8	0.12 ± 0.05	0.11 ± 0.05	0.730
	12	0.14 ± 0.07	0.10 ± 0.05	0.122
	16	0.15 ± 0.06	0.13 ± 0.05	0.235
	20	0.16 ± 0.06	0.14 ± 0.06	0.874
	24	0.18 ± 0.07	0.18 ± 0.23	0.624
SCR (μmol/L)	4	44.75 ± 19.10	42.65 ± 12.86	0.768
	8	44.18 ± 19.10	44.02 ± 13.08	0.794
	12	59.08 ± 76.32	45.17 ± 14.43	0.244
	16	46.53 ± 11.70	48.81 ± 14.68	0.922
	20	49.46 ± 12.47	49.38 ± 14.09	0.939
	24	50.11 ± 9.58	45.40 ± 10.32	0.060
BUN (IU/mL)	4	6.93 ± 2.60	6.08 ± 2.01	0.135
	8	6.24 ± 3.13	5.46 ± 2.04	0.492
	12	5.20 ± 1.86	5.39 ± 1.61	0.654
	16	5.04 ± 1.38	5.04 ± 1.60	0.975
	20	4.93 ± 1.42	4.67 ± 1.43	0.469
	24	4.88 ± 1.24	4.34 ± 1.38	0.051
Dosage of GCs	0	55.05 ± 7.44	52.70 ± 10.94	0.683
	4	52.94 ± 6.38	46.79 ± 12.72	0.098
	8	47.67 ± 6.44	40.78 ± 12.11	0.011
	12	43.58 ± 6.32	35.14 ± 12.77	< 0.0001
	16	39.14 ± 5.38	30.62 ± 9.87	0.0001
	20	34.64 ± 5.04	25.74 ± 8.84	0.060
	24	31.44 ± 4.85	17.61 ± 7.45	< 0.0001
ds-DNA positive, n (%)	24	10 (26.3)	9 (22.5)	0.694
SLEDAI	4	11.00 ± 5.21	9.02 ± 4.02	0.073
	12	7.16 ± 3.52	6.58 ± 3.64	0.625
	24	5.67 ± 4.27	5.12 ± 3.48	0.990

Results are given as the mean ± SD. Between-group P value were calculated using analysis of covariance, with adjustment for the baseline values. Unpaired t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used as appropriate. RBC: Red blood cell; SLEDAI: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index; BUN: Blood urea nitrogen; GCs: Glucocorticoids; TCM: Traditional Chinese medicine.

Dosing and exposure to glucocorticoids

As shown in Figure 3, the starting GC dose was similar between the two treatment groups (mean ± SD, 52.70 mg/d ± 10.94 mg/d in the TCM group vs 55.05 mg/d ± 7.44 mg/d in the control group, P = 0.683). However, the ending GC dose was significantly different between the two groups at 24 wk (mean ± SD, 17.61 mg/d ± 7.45 mg/d in the TCM group vs 31.45 mg/d ± 4.85 mg/d in the control group, P < 0.0001). In the TCM group, 17 of 40 (42.5%) patients achieved GC halving at 16 wk, whereas no patient (0/38, 0%) achieved GC halving in the control group (P < 0.0001) (Figure 3). During the 8-24 wk of follow-up, the GC dosage of the TCM group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Overall, it was possible to achieve gradual GC reduction in the TCM group, whereas the routine reduction in GCs according to the disease condition could not be achieved in the control group.

Figure 3 Comparison of dosage of glucocorticoids between the two groups. A and B: Dosage of glucocorticoids in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and control groups at baseline and 24 wk. Unpaired t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used as appropriate. A P value of < 0.05 was considered significant; C and D: Number of patients with dosage of glucocorticoids halved in the TCM and control groups at 16 and 24 wk. Chi-Square test and Fisher’s exact test were used as appropriate. A P value of < 0.05 was considered significant. TCM: Traditional Chinese medicine.

Methylprednisolone pulse

If patients responded satisfactorily and demonstrated decreasing proteinuria or improving renal function, the number of bolus intravenous methylprednisolone pulses was appropriately reduced. Patients in the TCM group had a lower proportion of methylprednisolone pulses than those in the control group (1.30 ± 1.41 vs 3.05 ± 2.02, P < 0.0001) (Figure 4).

Figure 4 Comparison of number of methylprednisolone pulses between the two groups. Unpaired t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used as appropriate. A P value of < 0.05 was considered significant. TCM: Traditional Chinese medicine.

AEs

There were no severe AEs that required physician’s withdrawal or hospitalization during the 24-wk trial. Gastroenteritis, anemia, upper respiratory tract infection, hepatic function damage, leukopenia, phlebothrombosis, urinary infection, hypothyroidism, and hypertension were the most common AEs experienced by the patients (Table 4). The TCM group had a significantly lower incidence of AEs (25/40, 62.5%) than the control group (32/38, 84.2%, P = 0.04). These AEs, however, did not necessitate hospitalization. As shown in Table 3, hepatic function damage was observed in both groups, with a rate of 42.1% (16/38) in the control group and 22.5% (9/40) in the TCM group (P < 0.05). Gastroenteritis was more common in the control group than in the TCM group (24/38, 63.1% vs 12/40, 30%, P = 0.006). Moreover, hypertension was observed more often in the control group, and there was a significant difference compared with the TCM group (10/38, 26.3% vs 3/40, 7.5%, P = 0.02).

Table 4 Comparison of adverse events between the two groups.

Item	Control group		TCM group		P value
	n = 38	Percent (%)	n = 40	Percent (%)
Gastroenteritis	24	63.1	12	30.0	0.006
Anemia	5	13.1	2	5.0	0.970
Hepatic function damage	16	42.1	9	22.5	0.030
Leukopenia	3	7.8	0	0	0.060
Upper respiratory infection	5	13.1	7	17.5	0.590
Phlebothrombosis	2	5.3	0	0	0.140
Urinary infection	1	2.6	0	0	0.300
Hypothyroidism	3	7.9	1	2.5	0.280
Hypertension	10	26.3	3	7.5	0.020

Gastroenteritis included diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase above the normal range were considered as hepatic function damage. White blood cell count of less than 4 × 10⁹/L was considered as leukopenia. Hypertension was defined as a systolic or diastolic blood pressure > 90^th percentile. Chi-Square test and Fisher’s exact test were used as appropriate. A P value of < 0.05 was considered significant. TCM: Traditional Chinese medicine.

DISCUSSION

This pilot study assessed the clinical efficacy of the following treatments for the treatment of LN: DBXF combined with GCs and cyclophosphamide (TCM group) or GCs and cyclophosphamide (CYC; control group). Previous studies have demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of GCs and CYC. However, the well-recognized treatment with GCs and other immunosuppressants has rarely resulted in complete remission[15]. A significant correlation has been noted between complete remission and favored outcome in LN[16]. Renal remission has been reported to occur with GCs and CYC in 45%-74% of the treated patients, but over 75% of the patients with LN in the trial were Classes III, IV, and/or V[17]. Complete remission is most likely to occur in patients with stable renal function and without aggravating renal damage, although there is significant individual variability[18]. The renal remission associated with DBXF containing combination treamtent for patients with active LN in the present study was 87.5% at 6 mo; this was higher than that reported in a recent clinical research.

It has been shown that DBXF is effective in treating LN and that it plays a considerable role in symptom relief and improving the quality of life of patients with LN in China[19-22]. Understanding the benefits and risks of long-term maintenance of DBXF is an important consideration in the care of LN. Our data asserted that proteinuria levels and urine red blood cell count were significantly decreased in the TCM group compared with the control group at 4, 12, and 24 wk (P < 0.05). These results indicate that TCM can improve the clinical efficacy of routine treatment, with a faster resolution of proteinuria and hematuria.

There is a general agreement on the toxicity of the long-term administration of high-dose GCs in patients. Finding an alternative treatment with equivalent efficacy but with a lower dosage of GCs is important to improve the quality of life of the patients. In the present study, DBXF showed promising effects when combined with GCs and CYC, with a lower ending GC dose (mean ± SD, 17.61 mg/d ± 7.45 mg/d in the TCM group vs 31.45 mg/d ± 4.85 mg/d in the control group, P < 0.0001) and lower number of methylprednisolone pulses (1.3 ± 1.41 in the TCM group vs 3.05 ± 2.02 in the control group, P < 0.0001). These data support the clinical efficacy of DBXF containing combination treamtent, with smoother GC reduction and a lower dosage of GCs for disease induction in a patient with active LN. Indeed, the assisting function of DBXF could make the patient’s condition more stabilized, thereby resulting in smoother GC reduction and a lower number of methylprednisolone pulses.

The data presented in this study showed that the complete response rate according to the renal activity index was dramatically increased in the TCM group over a period of 24 wk, although it was not statistically significant. It is possible to make a significant difference by expanding the sample size as it requires further large-sample research.

GCs and CYC are commonly considered the standard therapeutic regimes for remission induction[23]. They were selected as the additional treatments to be combined with TCM in our trial because their efficacies in LN have been proven in clinical treatment. The reason for adding DBXF to GCs and CYC instead of using only GCs and CYC was that according to previous studies and clinical experience, an increased incidence of adverse effects was detected in long-term treatment with GCs and CYC. In the present study, although patients in the TCM group also experienced many AEs, the total AE incidence was significantly lower in the TCM group (25/40, 62.5% in the TCM group vs 32/38, 84.2% in the control group, P = 0.04). Hepatic function damage, gastroenteritis, and hypertension were observed more often in the control group, and there were statistically significant differences between the two groups. Together, our findings imply that DBXF containing combination treatment could significantly reduce the incidence of AEs in patients with active LN.

There are several limitations to this study. First, we did not have a large sample in the two groups because of the rarity of the disease. Evidence from multicenter large-sample double-blind randomized controlled trial studies supporting the efficacy and safety of combined DBXF in LN is still lacking. Second, the short period of follow-up did not allow discerning the long-term outcome and determining whether a completely GC-free condition can maintain the therapeutic efficacy. A further 2-year study would be appropriate to confirm the long-term outcome. Therefore, we intend to cooperate with the Rheumatism ward to carry out the control group. However, this situation is more aligned with the clinical practice in the real world. Moreover, uniform TCM diagnosis, treatment, and efficacy criteria should be established, which would be helpful in demonstrating the efficacy, mechanism, and safety of DBXF treatment in patients with LN.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, despite some limitations, our study demonstrates that DBXF containing combination treatment is a comparatively safe and effective interventional measure that obviously improves the effectiveness and lowers the adverse reactions in patients with LN. Our data indicate that DBXF containing combination treatment provides a good treatment response, along with a faster resolution of proteinuria and hematuria, smoother GC reduction, fewer methylprednisolone pulses, and fewer AEs than GCs and CYC in active LN. Thus, DBXF might help optimize the therapeutic schemes in LN. We hypothesize that DBXF will be an effective and safe way to treat patients with LN. However, further controlled trials with larger sample sizes are required to confirm our observations.

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Research background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) diagnosed in childhood or adolescence is more aggressive, and up to 80% of SLE children (also referred to as patients below) have lupus nephritis (LN). Glucocorticoids (GCs) and immunosuppressants were considered routine treatments for patients with LN. However, there is a widespread consensus regarding the toxicity of immunosuppressive agents and the necessity of preventing children from taking these medications over an extended period. Accordingly, there is an increasing need for holistic and optimal therapy that results in a higher rate of remission and fewer side effects.

Research motivation

We aimed to prove that Dan Bai Xiao Formula (DBXF) treatment is effective and safe as a supplementary therapy for LN and that it is superior to routine glucocorticoids (GCs) and cyclophosphamide (CYC) therapy.

Research objectives

To assess the efficacy and safety of DBXF for the resolution of proteinuria and hematuria in children with LN.

Research methods

A 24-wk pilot study was conducted.

Research results

The urine red blood cell count and urine protein level were significantly lower in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group than in the control group at weeks 4, 12, and 24 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, patients in the TCM group had a lower proportion of methylprednisolone pulses than those in the control group (1.3 ± 1.41 vs 3.05 ± 2.02, P < 0.0001). The ending GC dose was significantly lower in the TCM group than in the control group (P < 0.001). Moreover, more hepatic function damage, gastrointestinal adverse effects, and hypertension were observed in the control group than in the TCM group (P < 0.05).

Research conclusions

The findings suggest that DBXF treatment is effective and safe as a supplementary therapy for LN; moreover, this treatment is superior to routine GC and CYC therapies. DBXF containing combination treatment may lead to faster proteinuria and hematuria resolution, smoother GC reduction, fewer methylprednisolone pulses, and fewer adverse events.

Research perspectives

The integrated treatment of TCM has been indicated to be beneficial for LN. To increase effectiveness and reduce side effects during the active phase of LN, immunosuppression can be used in conjunction with TCM.